Method and apparatus for straightening electronic components

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for reconditioning electronic devices having an elongated body portion and a plurality of leads extending from the opposite side edges of said body portion and disposed at a predetermined angle relative thereto comprising an elongated generally vertically oriented trackway, a spreader station disposed along said trackway having means for spreading outwardly any leads projecting inwardly relative to a predetermined plane through the longitudinal axis of said device and a forming station having means for aligning the leads on opposite side edges of said device in a row at a predetermined angle relative to said body portion and wherein the leads in each row are uniformly spaced relative to one another.

United States Patent [1 1 Linker et a1.

1 1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 176]Inventors: Frank V. Linker, 1 1o Beechtree St..

Broom-a1, Pa. 19008; Caesar Crognale, 420 Garden Ln., Aston. Pa. 19014;Hippocrates Sotiropoulos, I28 Dam View Dr.. Media, Pa. 19063 [22] Filed:Dec. 10, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 423.242

1 1 Apr. 29, 1975 Priimu'y Examiner-Lowell A. Larson Attorney. Agent. orF/FIHH()WSOI1 and Howson [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for reconditioningelectronic devices having an elongated body portion and a plurality ofleads extending from the opposite side edges of said body portion anddisposed at a predetermined angle relative thereto comprising anelongated generally vertically oriented trackway. a spreader stationdisposed along said trackway having means for spreading outwardly anyleads projecting inwardly relative to a predetermined plane through thelongitudinal axis of said device and a forming station having means foraligning the leads on opposite side edges of said device in a row at apredetermined angle relative to said body portion and wherein the leadsin each row are uniformly spaced relative to one another.

18 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PATENTEU APR 2 9 I975 SHEET 10F 8 FlolPATENTEB 3 880 205 SHEET 30F 8 FIG-3.

PATENTED 3880.205

saw u m 3 ATENTEBAPRZSISYS 3,880,205

SHEET 8 BF 8 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGI-ITENING ELECTRONICCOMPONENTS The present invention relates to new and improved method andapparatus for straightening electronic components.

More specifically. the invention is directed to a novel method andapparatus for straightening so called dualin-line devices (DIP devices)used as semi-conductors or resistors in integrated circuit boards or thelike. These components typically comprise an elongated generallyrectangular body portion made of moldable material having embeddedtherein a plurality of leads arranged in rows and disposed at apredetermined angular relation to the body portion. These componentsengage in a socket in the circuit board comprised of a plurality of rowsof aligned openings to receive the leads of the DIP devices.

The manufacturer of these DIP devices typically packages the same inelongated plastic tubes or cartridges having a channel of U-shaped crosssection to conform generally to the cross section of the component. Ithas been found, however, that during the manufacture. testing andshipping. these components are handled in bulk and the leads areslightly deformed or bent to a condition where they have to bestraightened before they can be assembled in the socket openings of anintegrated circuit board or the like. In accordance with some priorknown methods the DIP devices are straightened either by hand or bymanually operable equipment. This. of course. is extremely timeconsuming and often the hand straightening operation is not accurateenough to properly recondition the DIP device for insertion into thecircuit board.

With the foregoing in mind. an object of the present invention is toprovide a new and improved method and apparatus for automatic processingof electronic components particularly DIP devices of the type describedabove.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for straightening DIP devices which easily accepts distortedDIP devices which are up to 100 mils from true position in any directionand will restore them to within 9 mils or better at the lead tips.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide method andapparatus which is completely automatic and wherein the straighteningoperation is done accurately without stressing the hermetic seal of thecomponent.

These and other objects of the present invention and the variousfeatures and details of the operation and construction thereof arehereinafter more fully set forth with reference to the accompanyingdrawings wherein;

FIG. I is a front elevational view of apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention for straightening electronic components;

FIGS. la and 1a are perspective and end views respectively of DIPdevices prior to being processed in the apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIGS. lb and lb are perspective and end views respectively of DIPdevices after partial processing;

FIGS. and 1c are perspective and end views respectively of DIP devicesafter final processing in the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the spreader andstraightening station with parts broken away to show the internalconstruction more clearly;

FIG. 2a is a fragmentary front view of the bumper in an engagedposition;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevational view of the backpanel of the apparatus;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged sectional views taken on lines 44, 5-5 and 66respectively of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4a is a side elevational fragmentary view showing the gate at thespreader station closed;

FIG. 5a is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 5 showingthe spreader blades in an expanded position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on lines 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6a is a sectional view taken on lines 6u6a of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6b is an enlarged view of the portion of the apparatus encircled inFIG. 6 showing the separator blades in an expanded position;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on lines 7-7 of FIG. 5 showing theescapement bar and actuator;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are enlarged sectional views taken on lines 88 and 99 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. I0 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the straighteningstation;

FIG. II is a schematic of the pneumatic circuitry for the apparatus ofthe present invention; and

FIG. I2 is a flow chart showing the operational stations of theapparatus of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings. FIGS. la. lb and It show the type ofelectronic component for which the apparatus and method of the presentinvention are particularly suited to straighten. These electroniccomponents, commonly known in the trade as dual-in-line devices. arehereinafter referred to as DIP devices. The DIP devices are generallydesignated by the reference letter D and comprise an elongated.generally rectangular body portion 10 made of a moldable material. suchas a ceramic or plastic. having embedded therein a plurality of leads 12which ideally are uniformly spaced apart and are parallel to a plane P-Pperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, (see FIG. 10). The DIP devicesvary in size generally between a small device having 8 leads to a largedevice having I8 leads. The leads 12 are also aligned in a straight rowand parallel or at a slight outward angle to a plane X-X through theaxis A (see FIG. 1c) of the body portion so that they may be insertedinto socket openings in an integrated circuit board. Even though themethod and apparatus of the present invention are particularly suitedfor straightening electric components, specifically of this type, it is.of course. to be understood that this is only by way of example and theapparatus and method may be employed for devices of various sizes aswell as performing other operations. for example. trimming the DIP leadtips.

The method of the invention will be presented hereinafter in conjunctionwith the description of the apparatus for carrying out the straighteningprocess. A general understanding of the basis structure and operation ofthe apparatus may be gained by reference to several of the views thatbest show the basic components of the apparatus and the operation suchas FIGS. I, 2 and 4. Considering now the basic components of theapparatus in terms of function, the apparatus comprises a main housing20 mounting a generally perpendicularly oriented trackway T having aloading station 5,, at its upper end. and a discharge station 5,, at itslower end. A cartridge C for the DIP devices D is adapted to be mountedat the loading station S, at the upper end of the trackway T whereby theDIP devices are gravity fed to the trackway for various operations atstations along the trackway. A plurality of pivotally mounted gates G,,G,, G... and G,, each having a guide rail portion overlying the trackwayand spaced therefrom insures movement of the DIP devices along thetrackway. The DIP devices from the loading station 5,, first passthrough a spreader station 5,, where they are momentarily detained byescapement means E and where a spreader mechanism conditions the DIPdevices for a final forming operation in the present instance astraightening operation by displacing any inwardly bent leads outwardly(see FIG. 1b). The escapement means E then releases the DlP devices fromthe spreader station 5,, and permits the spread DIP device to move bygravity down the trackway T to a final forming or straightening stationS,.. The final forming station S includes a separator and wiper bladeassembly which affects straightening of the leads so that they areuniformly spaced relative to one another and at a preselected anglerelative to the body portion (see FIG. 11.). It is noted that in thereconditioned DIP device the leads may be parallel to the plane XX ordiposed outward at an angle of up to l0.

Simultaneously with the final forming operation. DIP devices D on thetrackway T are being spread at the first forming station S,,. A stopmechanism F retains the DlP devices at the final forming station S thestop mechanism being selectively operable to release the finished partwhereby the finished DIP device D drops by gravity to a dischargestation 8 Means including coordinated actuators and circuitry isprovided for effecting operation of the various mechanisms in apredetermined timed sequence so that DIP devices D continuously feedthrough the apparatus and are conditioned in the manner described.

Considering now, more specifically. the structural details andarrangement of the apparatus. the trackway T is mounted on a generallyrectangular face plate 42 and slide housing 43 of the main housing 20and comprises an entrance rail 44, which pivotally mounts at its upperend, an adaptor assembly 46 for receiving the cartridge C. The adaptor46 may be pivoted forwardly generally perpendicular to the entrance rail44 within reach of the operator to permit the cartridge C to be easilyassembled into the adaptor. The adaptor 46 is then pivoted upwardly sothat the DIP devices D may be discharged and gravity fed to the entrancerail 44 of the trackway T (see FIG. I). The trackway T further includesa first bridge track in the form of a plate 48 at the spreader station5,, and a short intermediate rail 50 between the first bridge track 48and a second bridge track 52 at the final forming station S...Downstream of the second bridge track 52 is an exit rail 54 having meansat its lower end for supporting an empty cartridge to receive thefinished DlP devices D discharged from the machine. The trackway T is ofa predetermined width less than the spacing between the inner terminalends of the leads 12 to permit the DIP device D to straddle the trackwayand move freely along the trackway without jamming. The bridge tracks 48and 52 provide an opening in the trackway to facilitate operation of thespreader and separator mechanisms in the manner described in more detailhere below.

The DIP devices D are guided for movement along the trackway by means ofa series of gates G G,, G and G having guide bar segments which alignand overly the various sections of the trackway T, to guide the DIPdevices D during movement through the apparatus. Each of the gates is ofgenerally U-shaped configuration and has a similar mounting arrangementincluding adjustment means for selectively varying the spacing betweenthe guide bar segments and upper face of the trackway to accomodate DIPdevices D of various sizes.

The various gate details and mounting are designated by the same numeralwith different letter subscripts. Thus. the gate G,, the details ofwhich are best illustrated in various views of the drawings. consists ofa guide rail segment 51c and a pair of arms 530, which at their innerterminal ends are pivotally supported on a mounting assembly consistingof mounting blocks 57b and 570 secured to the face plate 42 of thehousing 20, the mounting blocks have cutaway portions for linkspivotally mounting the arms ofa gate and a cap secured to the top of themounting block overlying the cutaway portions and links. Each arm 530 ofthe gate G.- is pivotally secured to links 590 by shoulder pins 630 andis normally biased to a closed position by extension springs 65('connected between the arms and links as shown in FIG. 5. The inner endof each arm 53c abuts a shoulder 670 on the link to limit inwarddisplacement of the gate, the gate being freely pivotable in an outwarddirection (broken line position in FIG. 5). The guide rail segment 51:"may be adjusted relative to the trackway T by pivoting the linksrelative to the mounting block. Thus. as shown in FIG. 5, each link isurged to pivot outwardly toward the cap by a compression spring 690 inthe mounting block, movement of the link being limited by a set screw71c carried by the cap and which is adjustable to vary the gap betweenthe guide rail 51c of the gate and top of the trackway T. Note thatthere is a common mounting block 57b for the gate 6,, and adjacent armsof gate G and G There is also a common mounting block 57c for adjacentarms of gates G and G, which also pivotally mounts the stop mechanism F.

In the normal operation of the apparatus, each of the gates may beretracted to a position exposing the trackway, thereby facilitating easyand quick access in the event the DIP devices D are jammed in any partof the apparatus. The gate G however. overlying the straighteningstation S is provided with a manually operable latching mechanism 54 forlocking the gate in its lower position (see FIG. 2). The latchingmechanism simply consists ofa spring biased pin 56 adapted to engage ina keeper hole 58 in the guide rail of the gate. This gate must be lockedduring the straightening operation at the final forming station S Nowassuming the parts have been loaded in the apparatus in the mannerdiscussed above, and one or more DIP devices D is located in thespreader station S means is provided for spreading any inwardly deformedleads (see FIG. la so that they are either parallel or slightlyoutwardly disposed relative to a plane XX through the gitudinal axis A,of the DlP device D. (see FIG. lb) The spreader mechanism which isillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, comprises a pair of cooperating spreaderblades 60 and 62, each having a reduced terminal end portion smaller incombined width than the width of the first bridge track so that theparts drop freely through the station with the normal amount of inwarddeformation of the leads I2 discharged from the cartridge C. Each of thespreader blades is mounted on a slide carriage 64 and 66 engagablc in aslotted opening 68 in a slide housing 43 secured to the rear portion ofthe face plate, the slotted opening 68 being covered by a pair of faceplates 87 and 89 to confine the carriages 64 and 66. Each slide carriageis normally biased to maintain the spreader elements in a closedposition by compression springs 71 engaging the rear wall of the slidechamber and the slide carriage for each of the spreader blades. Thespreader blades are adapted for displacement to spread the leads 12 ofthe DIP device D by means of a cam element 72 which is mounted in acylindrical chamber 73 of a cylinder mount block 75 suitably mounted onthe rear face of the slide housing 43. The cam element 72 is connectedto the piston of a piston cylinder actuator 70 and has a stepped camblade 81 engagable through an opening 83 in the slide housing 43. Whenthe cam element is displaced forwardly to the dotted line position. thestepped cam blade head engages the tapered inner ends of the spreaderblades thereby moving the slide carriages outwardly in the slide chamberagainst the bias of the compression springs 71 and displacing thespreader blades outwardly to spread the leads 12 of the DIP device Doutwardly as shown in FIG. lb.

After the leads of the DIP device D are spread at the spreading stationS the escapement means E is actu ated to a retracted position to permitthe DIP device to fall by gravity to the final forming station S Theescapcment means E comprises an elongated escapement bar 91 whichcarries a pair of actuator pins 93 and 96 adjacent opposite terminalends and an escapcment pin 95 intermediate the pin 93 and 96. Theescapement bar 91 is mounted for reciprocating movement between aforward limit position wherein the actuator pin 93 engages the gate 0,,to raise it to a release position. the escapcment pin 95 projectsthrough the trackway T below the spreader station 5,, to retain the DIPdevices L as shown in FIG. 4 and the lower actuator pin 96 pivots thestop means F to a retracted position permitting discharge of DIP devicesD from the final straightening station 8 The escapement bar 91 ismounted on an adaptor 97 secured to the piston of a pistoncylinderactuator 99 supported on the cylinder mount 75. A pair of set screws 91aare mounted in slide housing 43 to limit forward displacement ofescapement bar 91 and therefore the outward position of gate 0,, andstop means F. This adjustment is necessary to maintain the desiredminimum clearance between the gate 0,, and the trackway T thereby topreclude DIP devices D from assuming a tilted attitude on the trackwayand thereby jam the apparatus. The adjustment is also necessary topreclude engagement of the sensor probe S] and the cut out in the gate Gwhich could tilt the gate and jam DIP devices in the trackway T underthe gate G...

The stop means F comprises an elongated sensor arm 99a pivotally mountedto a link I01 and normally biased to a lowered position by a spring 103.The sensor arm mounts at its inner end a sensing probe 5-1 which in thelowered position as illustrated in FIG. provides a seat for a DIP deviceD to accurately position it at the final straightening station S andalso serves as part of the automatic cycling system as described later.

At the final straightening station. mechanism is provided for separatingthe leads 12 so that they are unifomally spaced relative to one anotherand disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the body portion Tothis end the separating mechanism comprises a pair of wiper blades and92 having confronting serrated heads 94 and 96 at their ends. (see FIGS.4, 6 and 6a) The separator mechanism also includes a pair of separatorblades 98 and 100 which have a plurality of grooves 102 therein, withwhich the serrated heads 94 and 96 cooperate to effect uniformseparation of the leads of the DIP device D and positioning of the leads12 at a predetermined angle relative to a plane XX through thelongitudinal axis A Considering now, more specifically, the structuralarrangement of the separator mechanism. the wiper blades are mounted ina carriage 104 which as best illustrated in FIG. 6 is supported forreciprocating motion between an outer limit position (solid lines inFIG. 6) and an inner limit position as shown in FIG. 6b. To this end thecarriage 104 is connected to pistoncylinder actuators 106 and 108through connecting rods 110 and 112 respectively. These connecting rodsas illustrated. extend through appropriate openings in the slide housingand cylinder mount block 114. Guide pins 116 and 118 are also providedwhich are disposed outboard of the connecting rods I10 and 112 and whichengage and ride in appropriate cylindrical open ings in the main slidehousing and cylinder block 114. The carriage 104 has a transverse recess120 therein. defining a way for the blades 90 and 92. The ways areclosed by covers 122 and 124 secured to the carriage the covers beingspaced apart at their inner ends to expose the serrated heads 94 and 96.The base of the recess on either side of the central opening 125 in thecarriage has grooves formed therein for spring 127 which engages pins129 on each of the blades to normally urge the blades to an outerposition so that the outer ends thereof normally abut spaced cam blocks126 and 128 mounted in cam block holder secured to the slide housing.The cam blocks, in the present instance, each have a face whichconverges inwardly at a preselected angle of about 3 so that when theblades are actuated inwardly they tend to wipe the leads of the DIPdevice D to a slightly inward angular inclination to allow for springback of the leads to a normal condition. Of course. the cam blocks areselectively interchangable when it is desired to vary the angle of theleads for a given DIP device D. The angle of the leads 12 may vary froma condition parallel to the plane X)( to a l0 outward inclinationdepending on the type of DIP device D and to accomplish this the camblocks I26 and 128 are replaceable as well as the separator blades 98and 100.

The separator blades which engage through the opening in the carriage104, each are carried by a slide 132 and 134 mounted in a generallyrectangular recess in the slide housing. The slides are confined in therecess by covers 138 and 140 and each of the separator blades mounts anangled shield 141 which has a portion overlying the cover to guide theblades for movement during the wiping operation. The covers 138 and 140,of course. are spaced apart to permit outward displacement of theseparator blades during the wiping operation. The slides I32 and 134 arenormally biased to position the separator blades in a closed position bycompression springs 142 and 144. The separator blades are adapted forspreading movement during the wiping operation to the position shown inFIG. 6b by means ofa cam element I50 which is connected to the piston ofa piston-cylinder actuator I52. The cam element I50 has a generallycylindrical stern portion engaging in a cylindrical opening in thecylinder block H4 and a stepped cam face I54. the outer portion I540 ofwhich is normally engaged between the separator blades in the mannershown. The inner face of each of the separator blades is provided with achamferred portion so that when the cam is engaged forwardly. the bladesare readily displaced outwardly during the wiping operation. Meansdescribed in more detail hereinafter is provided for timed actuation ofthe cam element 150 to re ciprocating movement of the wiper blades 90and 92 to simultaneously spread the leads outwardly and align themrelative to one another as the serrated head of the wiper blades engagesin the grooves in the separator blades.

The pneumatic circuitry of the apparatus is schematically illustrated inFIG. 11 and will now be described briefly to point out the importantoperational concepts of the system and apparatus. To initiate operationof the machine, the main switch S,,, is actuated to effect supply of airfrom the main supply through the line 200 to the bank of limit switchesLSI, LS2, LS3 and LS4, and the control switches S override switch S,-and precycle switch 5,. The operation of the main switch S, also opensnormally closed control valve V to effect flow of air from the mainsupply through the lines 202 and 204 and pressure regulators R and R tothe interface pilot valves IV-l, IV-2. IV-3 and IV-4 and to sensor 8-1,-2 and S3. Line 205 delivers air from supply to control valves V V and VConsidering now the operation of the apparatus and specifically withreference to the circuitry for effecting automatic operation, acartridge C is positioned in the adaptor assembly 46 at the upper end ofthe trackway T. The adaptor assembly is then pivoted upwardly so thatthe cartridge C is aligned with the entrance rail of the trackway Twhereby the DIP devices D fall by gravity to the spreader station S Atthis point, if gate 0,, is in a raised position, then the escapement barE is in an extended position and the first DIP device D en gages theescapement pin 95 in the position illustrated in FIG. 4. In the eventgate 0,, is lowered. the escape ment bar is in a retracted position andthe first DIP device engages the top edge of the gate G (For operationsequence refer to flow chart of FIG. 12)

Now in order to initiate operation of the apparatus, if the gate 0,, isopen or in a raised position, the precycle switch S, is actuated whichthrough normally open valve V activates pilot P-S of control valve V-3for wiper blade and spreader blade actuators to lower the wiper bladesand move the spreader blades to an extended position to spread DIPdevices at the spreader station 5. The spreader and wiper cycle isreversed through LS-3 which activates pilot P-6 of contr 1 valve V-3.

Thereafter, the normally closed cycle switch 5,. is manually actuated toactivate the pilot P-4 for the escapement control valve V-2 which inturn retracts the escapement bar E thereby lowering gate 6,, retractingescapement pin 95 and permitting the sensor arm to move to a forwardlimit position wherein the sensor probe S-I is in a position to beengaged by the DIP device D on a trackway l' entering the final formingstation S... (see FIG. 10) A single spread DIP device D then isdischarged from the spreader station 5,, and falls by gravity to thefinal forming station 8,. It is noted that retraction ofthe escapementbar permits the gate G,, to lower whereby in the case of 16 lead devicesofthe type illustrated. the nose portion N,, formed at the lower end ofthe guide rail segment engages the next DIP device I) in line to supportthe stack of DIP devices and insure passage of only one DIP device tothe final straightening station S... The relief cut R in the guide railsegment of gate G provides a clearance between the gate and otherdevices in the stack to insure engagement of the nose portion N,,.Rctraction of the escapement bar 91 also actuates the bumper piston 206to retain DIP de vices D on the trackway T at the spreader station 5,,and aid in permitting only a single DIP device D to be discharged to thefinal forming station S In the case of 8 lead devices of the bumperpiston 106 insures dis charge of only a single DIP device D to the finalforming station and also the functions to slightly jar the devices onengagement and effect separation in the event the mold flashing ofadjacent devices hold them to gether as is sometimes the case. (see FIG.2a)

Rctraction of the escapement bar E opens normally closed limit switch LS2 (see FIG. 7) which in turn activates pilot P-S of control valve V-3,thereby lowering the wiper blades and moving the spreader blades to anopen position to spread DIP devices D at the spreader station SSimultaneously, the leads of a DIP device at the final forming stationare separated by the action of the wiper blades (see FIG. 6b), theseparator blades being in an expanded or open position. When the wiperblades are fully lowered. guide pin 118 opens normally closed limitswitch LS-3 to activate pilot P-6 for control valve V-3 therebyrecycling the wiper blades and returning them to a raised position andretracting the spreader blades to a closed position thereby closingnormally open limit switch LS-4 and activating pilot P-2 of controlvalve V-] to close the separator blades.

The apparatus is now conditioned for automatic cycling. For example. asthe DIP device enters the final forming station S sensor S-I is closedwhich in turn activates normally closed interface pilot valve IV-l toopen position which in turn activates the pilot P-l for separatorcontrol valve V-l to actuate the separator blades to a forward limitposition to separate the leads 12 of the DIP devices D at the separatingstation S The separator cam opens normally closed limit switch LS-l toactivate pilot P-3 for escapement control valve V-2. In response to theactuation of the escapement, normally closed limit switch LS-Z is openedto activate pilot P-S through normally open valve V for wiper andspreader blade control valve V-3 thereby to cycle the wiper and spreaderblades to separate the leads of the DIP device D at the final formingstation. As the wiper blade assembly is moved inwardly, the guide pinI18 engages normally closed limit switch LS-3 which in turn activatespilot P-6 for the wiper and spreader blade control valve V-3 to returnthem to the normal position shown in the schematic. Simultaneously,spreader blade cam 8i closes normally open limit switch LS-4 in turnactivating pilot P-Z for separator control valve V-I. Accordingly, theseparator blades are spreading a DIP device at the spreader station S,as the wiper and spreader blades are completing a cycle at the finalstraightening station S Actuation of the escapement bar to its forwardlimit position pivots the sensor arm outwardly to release the finishedDIP lead and permit it to fall by gravity along the trackway from thefinal forming station S... As it passes the discharge rail. sensor S isclosed which in turn actuatcs interface pilot valve IV-2 to an openposition thereby activating pilot P4 of control valve V-Z to retract theescapement bar whereby the cycle is repeated.

If, at the start of operation. the gate G is closed. the DIP devices Dengage the top edge of the gate 0,, since the escapement is in aretracted position which means LS-Z is open and therefore P- isactivated to cycle the wiper blades and spreader blades and therebyspread one or more DIP devices D at the spreader station. Thereafter,normally closed sensor override switch S is manually actuated thereby toactivate pilot P-l of control valve Vl for the separator piston-cylinderactuator 152. Actuation of the control valve V-l in this manner movesthe separator cam forward to effect displacement of the separator bladesto their open position (see FIG. 6b). Actuation of the separator bladecam I54 opens normally closed limit switch LS-l to actuate the pilot P-3for escapement control valve V-2 to position the escapement bar E in aforward limit position. In this position the gate G,, is open and theDIP devices D engage the escapement pin 95 on the trackway T. The sensorarm F is also in a retracted position by reason of engagement of thelower actuating pin 96 of the escapement bar as shown in FIG. 4. Thenthe cycle switch S is actuated and automatic operation follows in themanner discussed above.

The finished DIP devices are accumulated in a cartridge C mounted at thedischarge end of the trackway T and are periodically removed as thecartridge is filled and replaced with an empty cartridge. In the event acartridge is not removed from the discharge station and the finished DIPleads accumulate to a level closing sensor S-3, this signals opening ofthe interface pilot valve IV3 which. in turn moves pilot valve [V4 to aclosed position to shut down the operation of the machine. As soon assensor 5-3 is open, for example, by removing the filled cartridge,automatic operation of the machine continues.

The pilots P-l, P-2, P-S and P-6 are conventional self resetting pilotactuators whereas pilots P-3 and P-4 are not of the self resetting type.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for reconditioning electronic devices having an elongatedbody portion and a plurality of leads extending from the opposite sideedges of said body portion and disposed at a predetermined anglerelative thereto comprising an elongated generally vertically orientedtrackway. a spreader station having means for spreading outwardly anyleads projecting inwardly relative to a predetermined plane through thelongitudinal axis of said device and a forming station having means foraligning the leads on opposite side edges of said device in a row at apredetermined angle relative to said body portion and wherein the leadsin each row are uniformly spaced relative to one another, said spreaderand forming stations being located along said trackway wherebyelectronic devices are gravity fed through said stations.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spreader stationincludes a pair of cooperating spreader blades having terminal endportions smaller in combined width than the width of said trackway whenthe spreader blades are in a closed position thereby permitting thedevices to straddle the trackway at the spreader station, and includingmeans for actuating the spreader blades transversely relative to thetrackway to affect displacement of the leads of a device outwardly.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, including biasing means normallyurging said spreader blades to a closed position.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim I including stop means operable in afirst limit position to retain devices at the spreader and formingstations respectively during the spreading and forming operations and ina second limit position permit discharge of the devices from thestations.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said stop means includes anescapement pin operable between extended position in the path of deviceson the trackway at the spreader station and a retracted position out ofthe path of devices on the trackway.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said stop means includessensing means operable to cycle the escapement pin between said limitposition.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a separator mechanism atsaid forming station comprising a pair of wiper blades havingconfronting serrated faces disposed on opposite sides of said trackwayand adapted for reciprocating transverse movement and a pair ofcooperating separator blades having a plurality of grooves with whichthe serrated heads of the wiper blades cooperate to align said leads.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including biasing means normallyurging said wiper blades outwardly and cam members engagable by saidwiper blades during reciprocating actuation thereof thereby providingmeans for controlling the angular disposition of said leads during theforming operation.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including control circuit means foraffecting cyclic operation of said spreader and separating mechanisms ina predetermined timed sequence.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a plurality of gates eachhaving a guide bar segment overlying and aligned with said trackway andspaced therefrom thereby to confine and guide said devices for movementalong said trackway through the apparatus.

I]. A method for reconditioning electronic devices having an elongatedbody portion and plurality of leads extending from opposite side edgesof said body portion and disposed at a predetermined angle relativethereto consisting of the steps of feeding the devices along a generallyvertically oriented trackway through spreader and separator stationsdisposed along said trackway whereby devices are gravity fed throughsaid stations, spreading outwardly any leads projecting inwardlyrelative to a predetermined plane through the longitudinal axis of saiddevice and aligning the leads on opposite side edges in a row at apredetermined angle relative to said body portion.

12. Apparatus for reconditioning electronic devices having an elongatedbody portion and a plurality of leads extending from the opposite sideedges of said body portion and disposed at a predetermined anglerelative thereto comprising an elongated generally vertically orientedtrackway, a spreader station disposed along said trackway having meansfor spreading outwardly any leads projecting inwardly relative to a preartermined plane through the longitudinal axis of said device. saidspreader station including a pair of cooperating spreader blades havingterminal end portions smaller in combined width than the width of saidtracle way when the spreader blades are in a closed position therebypermitting the devices to straddle the trackway at the spreader station,means for actuating the spreader blades transversely relative to thetrackway to affect displacement of the leads of a device outwardly. anda forming station having means for aligning the leads on opposite sideedges of said device in a row at a predetermined angle relative to saidbody portion and wherein the leads in each row are uniformly spacedrelative to one another.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 including biasing means normallyurging said spreader blades to a closed position 14. A separatormechanism for aligning the leads of electronic devices having a bodyportion and a plurality of leads extending from the body portioncomprising at least a pair of separator blades mounted for displacementrelative to one another in a direction generally parallel to the planeof the body portion, each blade having at least one groove in one facethereof and at least one pair of wiper blades having along one edge aplurality of serrations and means for actuating said wiper and separatorHades relative to one another so that the wiper blades engage the leadsadjacent the body portion and move downwardly toward the terminal ends,the wiper blade serrations cooperating with the grooves in saidseparator blades to align the leads of the electronic device when it ispositioned so that its leads confront the grooves in said separatorblades.

15. Separator mechanism as claimed in claim 14 including biasing meansnormally urging said wiper blades outwardly away from one another andcam means engagable by said wiper blades during reciprocating actuationthereof thereby providing means for controling the angular dispositionof said leads during the forming operation.

16. The combination including a spreader mechanism and separatormechanism for aligning the leads of electronic devices having anelongated body portion and a plurality of leads extending from theopposite side edges of said body portion disposed at a predeterminedangle relative thereto said spreader mechanism including a pair ofcooperating spreader blades having terminal end portions smaller incombined width than the width of said trackway when the spreader bladesare in a closed position thereby permitting the devices to straddle thetrackway at the spreader station. means for actuating the spreaderblades transversely relative to the trackway to affect displacement ofthe leads of a device outwardly, said separator mechanism comprising atleast a pair of separator blades mounted for displacement relative toone another in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the bodyportion, each blade having a plurality of grooves in one face thereofand at least one pair of wiper blades having along one edge a pluralityof serrations and means for actuating said wiper and separator bladesrelative to one another so that the wiper blades engage the leadsadjacent the body portion and move downwardly toward the terminal ends,the wiper blade serrations cooperating with the grooves in saidseparator blades to align the leads of the electronic device when it ispositioned so that its leads confront the grooves in said separatorblades.

17. Separator mechanism as claimed in claim 14 including biasing meansnormally maintaining said separator blades in a closed position andincluding cam means for displacing said separator blades to an openposition.

18. Separator mechanism as claimed in claim 14 wherein the serrations ofsaid wiper blades are disposed at an outwardly inclined angle and thegrooves of said separator blades converge downwardly relative to a planeperpendicular to the plane of the body portion of the device.

1. Apparatus for reconditioning electronic devices having an elongatedbody portion and a plurality of leads extending from the opposite sideedges of said body portion and disposed at a predetermined anglerelative thereto comprising an elongated generally vertically orientedtrackway, a spreader station having means for spreading outwardly anyleads projecting inwardly relative to a predetermined plane through thelongitudinal axis of said device and a forming station having means foraligning the leads on opposite side edges of said device in a row at apredetermined angle relative to said body portion and wherein the leadsin each row are uniformly spaced relative to one another, said spreaderand forming stations being located along said trackway wherebyelectronic devices are gravity fed through said stations.
 2. Apparatusas claimed in claim 1 wherein said spreader station includes a pair ofcooperating spreader blades having terminal end portions smaller incombined width than the width of said trackway when the spreader bladesare in a closed position thereby permitting the devices to straddle thetrackway at the spreader station, and including means for actuating thespreader blades transversely relative to the trackway to affectdisplacement of the leads of a device outwardly.
 3. Apparatus as claimedin claim 2, including biasing means normally urging said spreader bladesto a closed position.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including stopmeans operable in a first limit position to retain devices at thespreader and forming stations respectively during the spreading andforming operations and in a second limit position permit discharge ofthe devices from the stations.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4wherein said stop means includes an escapement pin operable betweenextended position in the path of devices on the trackway at the spreaderstation and a retracted position out of the path of devices on thetrackway.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said stop meansincludes sensing means operable to cycle the escapement pin between saidlimit position.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a separatormechanism at said forming station comprising a pair of wiper bladeshaving confronting serrated faces disposed on opposite sides of saidtrackway and adapted for reciprocating transverse movement and a pair ofcooperating separator blades having a plurality of grooves with whichthe serrated heads of the wiper blades cooperate to align said leads. 8.Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including biasing means normally urgingsaid wiper blades outwardly and cam members engagable by said wiperblades during reciprocating actuation thereof thereby providing meansfor controlling the angular disposition of said leads during the formingoperation.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including control circuitmeans for affecting cyclic operation of said spreader and separatingMechanisms in a predetermined timed sequence.
 10. Apparatus as claimedin claim 1 including a plurality of gates each having a guide barsegment overlying and aligned with said trackway and spaced therefromthereby to confine and guide said devices for movement along saidtrackway through the apparatus.
 11. A method for reconditioningelectronic devices having an elongated body portion and plurality ofleads extending from opposite side edges of said body portion anddisposed at a predetermined angle relative thereto consisting of thesteps of feeding the devices along a generally vertically orientedtrackway through spreader and separator stations disposed along saidtrackway whereby devices are gravity fed through said stations,spreading outwardly any leads projecting inwardly relative to apredetermined plane through the longitudinal axis of said device andaligning the leads on opposite side edges in a row at a predeterminedangle relative to said body portion.
 12. Apparatus for reconditioningelectronic devices having an elongated body portion and a plurality ofleads extending from the opposite side edges of said body portion anddisposed at a predetermined angle relative thereto comprising anelongated generally vertically oriented trackway, a spreader stationdisposed along said trackway having means for spreading outwardly anyleads projecting inwardly relative to a predetermined plane through thelongitudinal axis of said device, said spreader station including a pairof cooperating spreader blades having terminal end portions smaller incombined width than the width of said trackway when the spreader bladesare in a closed position thereby permitting the devices to straddle thetrackway at the spreader station, means for actuating the spreaderblades transversely relative to the trackway to affect displacement ofthe leads of a device outwardly, and a forming station having means foraligning the leads on opposite side edges of said device in a row at apredetermined angle relative to said body portion and wherein the leadsin each row are uniformly spaced relative to one another.
 13. Apparatusas claimed in claim 12 including biasing means normally urging saidspreader blades to a closed position.
 14. A separator mechanism foraligning the leads of electronic devices having a body portion and aplurality of leads extending from the body portion comprising at least apair of separator blades mounted for displacement relative to oneanother in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the bodyportion, each blade having at least one groove in one face thereof andat least one pair of wiper blades having along one edge a plurality ofserrations and means for actuating said wiper and separator bladesrelative to one another so that the wiper blades engage the leadsadjacent the body portion and move downwardly toward the terminal ends,the wiper blade serrations cooperating with the grooves in saidseparator blades to align the leads of the electronic device when it ispositioned so that its leads confront the grooves in said separatorblades.
 15. Separator mechanism as claimed in claim 14 including biasingmeans normally urging said wiper blades outwardly away from one anotherand cam means engagable by said wiper blades during reciprocatingactuation thereof thereby providing means for controling the angulardisposition of said leads during the forming operation.
 16. Thecombination including a spreader mechanism and separator mechanism foraligning the leads of electronic devices having an elongated bodyportion and a plurality of leads extending from the opposite side edgesof said body portion disposed at a predetermined angle relative thereto,said spreader mechanism including a pair of cooperating spreader bladeshaving terminal end portions smaller in combined width than the width ofsaid trackway when the spreader blades are in a closed position therebypermitting the devices to straddle the trackway at the spreader station,means for actuating the spreader blades transversely relative to thetrackway to affect displacement of the leads of a device outwardly, saidseparator mechanism comprising at least a pair of separator bladesmounted for displacement relative to one another in a directiongenerally parallel to the plane of the body portion, each blade having aplurality of grooves in one face thereof and at least one pair of wiperblades having along one edge a plurality of serrations and means foractuating said wiper and separator blades relative to one another sothat the wiper blades engage the leads adjacent the body portion andmove downwardly toward the terminal ends, the wiper blade serrationscooperating with the grooves in said separator blades to align the leadsof the electronic device when it is positioned so that its leadsconfront the grooves in said separator blades.
 17. Separator mechanismas claimed in claim 14 including biasing means normally maintaining saidseparator blades in a closed position and including cam means fordisplacing said separator blades to an open position.
 18. Separatormechanism as claimed in claim 14 wherein the serrations of said wiperblades are disposed at an outwardly inclined angle and the grooves ofsaid separator blades converge downwardly relative to a planeperpendicular to the plane of the body portion of the device.